Fewer drive-thru windows are very likely, as staffing (and the real estate) for this dwindling needed service is becoming expensive compared to its return on investment. Banks will continue consolidation in an effort to cut expenses.

Branch banks that cater to the retail customer will continue to go vacant and will need to undergo repurposing.

The good news is that most branch banks have great real estate locations and will be easily absorbed into different uses.

Because some customers will begin to feel “like a number, instead of a person” with the large bank format, there will be a desire from them for more personal service.

To fill that gap, community banks will continue their rise to the surface.

As we have seen already, to survive in an ever changing market, the branch bank will have to reinvent itself to cut expenses while providing service that the customer wants.

Brian Patton, CCIM is a commercial real estate broker, author and speaker. He can be reached at 770-634-4848 or via his website: www.CapitalListings.com.